I am not hiding

My protection and success come from God alone. He is my refuge, a Rock where no enemy can reach me. (Psalm 62:7 TLB)

Protection is often thought of as the preservation from harm or injury. It comes from the root word 'protectio' in Latin and means "a covering in front". We want God 'out front' in our lives - shielding us from all harm that is attempting to find a means to lay us out. The idea is that of 'guarding' so as to keep safe from invasion or loss. The President of the United States has a 'protection detail' with him wherever he goes. His 'detail' is huge, not only in number, but in the armored vehicles he has at his disposal and the military defense at the ready wherever he goes. The purpose is to keep him safe from any harm that might be planned for him. This allow him to do his job, much like God's protection 'out front' in our lives helps us 'do our job' on this earth. The right 'protection' makes all the difference, doesn't it?

Success speaks of more than just beginning well - it refers to the way something is ended. The 'termination' of the thing is deemed favorable whenever we say it was a 'success', right? The word success comes from the root word for succeed and carries a meaning of thriving, growing, and prospering. With the right 'out front' covering, the ability to thrive is much different than being exposed to the things set against us in this life, isn't it? The one who knows 'success' has accomplished what was intended - the attempt had a positive outcome. The main thing about success is that the desired result is accomplished. As our scripture today points out, with the appropriate covering in place, the ability to see the desired results in life are much better than if we go out there 'exposed' all on our own!

Refuge might be considered to be a hiding place - a place of safety. We only need a place of refuge when danger drives us into that place, right? The root of this word comes from the word meaning to run or flee from. This implies there is danger in what we are escaping - causing us to need a 'hiding place' where we will be safe. I don't live in tornado country, but I have lived in earthquake regions and know every opportunity is taken to instruct people how to find the best place of safety when the ground starts to rumble. You don't run out into the open, you find a sturdy place of safety, such as under a strong table. Why? Things come 'at you' when the ground starts to rumble, maybe not with the force of the tornado's winds, but an earthquake has a damage all its own. Regardless of the 'force' coming against us, we need a place to 'run into' for our safety. Let that be God and you won't ever find your place of refuge faulty! We aren't hiding out - we are sheltering within. Just sayin!

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Steel in your convictions

Is that a wolf I hear?

Sentimental gush